Palau, officially the Republic of Palau, is an island nation in Micronesia, located in the western Pacific Ocean. It’s an archipelago of over 500 islands, most of which are uninhabited, and is world-renowned for its extraordinary marine biodiversity, pristine coral reefs, unique geological formations (like the Rock Islands), and significant World War II history. It’s often hailed as one of the top diving destinations on the planet.

Here’s a comprehensive overview:

• Area: Approximately 459 km² (177 sq mi) of land area spread across a vast ocean territory.
• Population: Estimated at around 18,339 people as of July 2025. The population is primarily Palauan, with significant Filipino and other Asian communities.
• Language: The official languages are Palauan and English. Each state also has its own official language (e.g., Sonsorolese, Tobian).
• Currency: United States Dollar (USD).
• Religion: Predominantly Christian, with Roman Catholicism and Protestantism being the largest denominations. Ngara Modewngol (Modekngei), a unique indigenous Palauan religion, also has followers.
• Capital: Ngerulmud (located on Babeldaob Island).
• Major Cities/Towns: Koror (the largest city and commercial center), Ngerulmud (administrative capital).

Attractions & Wonders:

Palau’s attractions are overwhelmingly natural, focusing on its incredible marine environment and unique geological features, plus its compelling history.

• Rock Islands Southern Lagoon (UNESCO World Heritage Site): This iconic area is a breathtaking collection of mushroom-shaped limestone islands, covered in lush green vegetation, rising dramatically from turquoise waters. The lagoon is home to an incredible diversity of marine life and contains unique ecosystems like Jellyfish Lake. Activities include kayaking, snorkeling, diving, and scenic boat tours.
• Jellyfish Lake (On Eil Malk Island, Rock Islands): A unique marine lake (actually brackish) that was once home to millions of golden jellyfish that migrated daily across the lake. While the jellyfish population has fluctuated due to environmental factors, it remains a famous and ecologically significant site. Note: Access might be restricted or jellyfish numbers low depending on current environmental conditions.
• World-Class Diving: Palau is consistently ranked as one of the best diving destinations globally. It offers:
  • Pristine Coral Reefs: Teeming with diverse and healthy hard and soft corals.
  • Abundant Marine Life: Sharks (Grey Reef, Whitetip, Hammerhead), manta rays, eagle rays, barracudas, napoleon wrasse, and countless reef fish.
  • Blue Holes & Walls: Dramatic drop-offs and caverns like Blue Corner, German Channel, Ulong Channel, and Peleliu Express.
  • World War II Wrecks: Numerous Japanese shipwrecks and aircraft wrecks are scattered throughout the lagoons, particularly around Koror and Peleliu, offering poignant historical dives.
• Peleliu (Peleliu Island): Site of one of the bloodiest battles of World War II. Visitors can explore a well-preserved battleground with numerous Japanese and American relics (tanks, bunkers, caves), offering a powerful historical experience.
• Milky Way (Rock Islands): A small cove within the Rock Islands where the water is milky white due to mineral-rich white limestone mud at the bottom. Visitors often apply the mud to their skin for its perceived therapeutic properties.
• Long Beach (Rock Islands): A stunning sandbar that appears at low tide, connecting two of the Rock Islands, creating a picturesque walk in the middle of the ocean.
• Ngardmau Falls (Babeldaob Island): Palau’s largest waterfall, located in the lush jungle of Babeldaob, accessible via a hiking trail.
• Palau National Museum: Showcases Palauan history, culture, and traditional artifacts, including a traditional Bai (men’s meeting house).

Architecture:

Palauan architecture blends traditional indigenous designs, with influences from colonial periods (Spanish, German, Japanese, American) and modern construction.

• Traditional Bai (Men’s Meeting Houses): The most iconic traditional Palauan structures are the bais, which are elaborately decorated communal meeting houses. They are characterized by their steeply pitched, sweeping roofs and carved wooden gables depicting traditional stories and legends. Modern replicas are found, and the Palau National Museum houses a traditional bai.
• Traditional Homes: Historically, homes were made from local timber, bamboo, and thatch, often raised on stilts.
• Colonial Influences: In Koror, some older buildings may show remnants of Spanish, German, or Japanese influences, though many structures were damaged during WWII.
• Modern Structures: Koror, being the commercial hub, has more modern concrete buildings for businesses, hotels, and residences, but still maintains a relatively low-rise profile. Ngerulmud, the capital, features modern government buildings.

Roads:

Palau’s main island of Babeldaob has a good quality road network, while other islands have more limited infrastructure.

• Compact Road (Babeldaob): A modern, well-maintained paved road that encircles Babeldaob Island, connecting the airport, the capital (Ngerulmud), and various villages. This makes exploring Babeldaob relatively easy.
• Koror Roads: Koror also has a well-developed paved road system.
• Outer Islands: Roads on smaller and outer islands are often unpaved or limited to short tracks, with travel relying more on boats.
• Driving Conditions: Driving is on the right-hand side. Roads are generally quiet outside of Koror. Rental cars are readily available in Koror.

Hotels:

Palau offers a range of accommodation primarily catering to divers and eco-tourists, from international standard hotels to boutique dive resorts and guesthouses.

• Koror:
  • Palau Pacific Resort: The most luxurious and well-known resort, with a beautiful private beach.
  • Palau Royal Resort: Another upscale option, popular with Japanese tourists.
  • Cove Resort Ngarchelong: A newer, modern resort.
  • Various dive resorts: E.g., Sam’s Tours, Fish ‘n Fins, offering dive packages.
  • Budget-friendly hotels and guesthouses.
• Peleliu & Babeldaob: More limited options, often smaller guesthouses or eco-lodges.

Restaurants:

Palau’s culinary scene is a blend of local Palauan, Japanese, Filipino, Chinese, and Western influences, with an emphasis on fresh seafood.

• Koror: Has the widest selection of restaurants, from fine dining to casual eateries.
• Fresh Seafood: Restaurants often specialize in fresh catch of the day, including snapper, tuna, and local reef fish, prepared in various ways (grilled, fried, sashimi).
• Japanese Cuisine: Due to historical ties and a significant Japanese tourist presence, excellent Japanese restaurants (sushi, sashimi, tempura) are common.
• Filipino & Chinese Cuisine: Widely available and popular.
• Local Eateries: Small local “kai” (food) shops or roadside stalls serve simple, traditional meals.

Cuisine:

Palauan cuisine is based on traditional staples, abundant seafood, and influences from its diverse history.

• Staple Foods: Root crops like taro, cassava, yam, and breadfruit are fundamental.
• Fresh Seafood: The cornerstone of the Palauan diet. Fish (tuna, snapper, parrotfish, grouper), crabs, and shellfish are common, often grilled, baked, or made into soups.
• Taro (Kalo): Prepared in many ways, including boiled, baked, or pounded into a paste.
• Breadfruit (Meduu): A versatile staple, often boiled, fried, or baked.
• Coconut: Used extensively in cooking for coconut milk/cream, and for drinking fresh coconut water.
• Pork & Chicken: Common meats, often stewed or grilled.
• Fruit Bat Soup: A traditional delicacy in Palau, though its availability can be limited or controversial.
• Tropical Fruits: Wide variety of fresh fruits like mangoes, papayas, and local citrus.
• Betel Nut (Bua): While not food, chewing betel nut (with lime powder and pepper leaf) is a widespread cultural practice in Palau.
• Tapioca Pudding: Sweet puddings made from grated cassava with coconut milk.